Moore holds key to novice success The Emo Oil sponsored seven race card at Punchestown tomorrow features two Grade 2 events and boasts prize-money of €214,000.Arthur Moore holds the key to the Tied Cottage Novice Chase, with both Ellenjay and Masalarian sure to be thereabouts. Slight preference goes to the latter, a creditable fifth in the Denny Chase at Leopardstown last time and receiving a vital 4lb here from his stablemate.The two miles Novice Hurdle is the other Grade 2 race at the Co. Kildare venue and, although only seven go to post, this appears a wide open affair.Atlantic Rhapsody benefitted from a vintage Charlie Swan ride to pip Rathgar Beau at Naas last weekend, but the placings should now be reversed on 6lb different terms. Native Scout, runner-up to Adamant Approach in the valuable Pierse Hurdle, also merits respect.This Is Serious relished the mud when taking the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, but the handicapper has reacted by raising the Swan-trained gelding 16lb in the ratings. The steadier of 12 stone may prove too much in the Grand National Trial, where Fanion de Neulliac appeals off his feather weight.A maximum of 30 go to post in the two miles maiden hurdle, and all eyes will be on Mutakarrim. Dermot Weld`s charge wound up last season with a Flat rating of 105 having scored in Listed company in the Oyster Stakes at Galway`s September meeting. The testing ground conditions are obviously a worry on his hurdling debut, and the meeting is subject to a precautionary inspection at 7.00am.Selections - 1.30 Rathgar Beau, 2.00 Masalarian, 2.30 Ballygowan Beauty, 3.00 Hokitika, 3.30 Fanion de Neulliac, 4.00 Mutakarrim, 4.30 Did`ntsleepawink.
